Name: Key Lime Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ c unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (one stick); 1 large egg; 3/4 c sugar; 1/4 c light brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tsp key lime zest; 1 3/4 c flour (219g); 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 T key lime juice; 1 T milk; 1/4 tsp vanilla; Pinch of salt (optional); ½ tsp key lime zest

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to brighten up your baking routine, these Key Lime Cookies are an absolute must-try! They’re tender, buttery, and deliver that unmistakable zing of fresh key lime in every dreamy bite. The vibrant citrus glaze takes the flavor to the next level, and the cookies are finished with a sprinkling of extra zest for color and pop. These cookies instantly evoke the feeling of warm sunshine and an island breeze — just the thing to perk up your day or wow your friends at any gathering. Whether you’re already a citrus dessert lover or just looking for your next cookie obsession, Key Lime Cookies never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Key Lime Cookies is in their simplicity — every ingredient serves a purpose, building up layers of flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that signature bright shade. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so irresistible:

Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, this gives the cookies a rich, creamy foundation that helps them bake up tender and just a little crisp at the edges.
Large egg: Binds everything together and gives just enough structure without making the cookies dry.
Sugar: Plain granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with the texture so each cookie is perfectly soft and chewy.
Light brown sugar: Just a bit for a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture, making the cookies plush.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant undertone that pairs beautifully with the aromatic lime zest.
Key lime zest: The star of the show! Use fresh zest for max flavor; it infuses every bite with lively citrus notes.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the dough structure while keeping things delightfully light.
Baking soda: A touch, just to help the cookies rise and puff up ever-so-slightly in the oven.
Salt: Don’t skip it — salt makes all the other flavors pop and keeps the cookies from being too sweet.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze; it dissolves beautifully and creates a smooth, glossy finish.
Key lime juice: Intensifies the tart, refreshing flavor in the glaze. Freshly squeezed is best!
Milk: Adds a bit of richness to the glaze for the perfect drizzling consistency.
Extra vanilla and pinch of salt (optional): A hint in the glaze pulls the flavors together, and salt balances out the sweetness.
Additional key lime zest: For extra color, fragrance, and a final flavorful flourish!

How to Make Key Lime Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (that way your oven is ready just as your dough comes together). In a small bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. This quick blend ensures everything is evenly distributed and helps you avoid surprise salty (or baking soda-heavy) bites later on. Set the bowl aside until you need it.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate, larger mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on high and beat the mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes. You’re looking for a pale, light, and creamy mixture — this step is key for that irresistibly soft cookie texture. Don’t worry if the brown sugar gives the mixture a slightly sandy appearance at first; keep beating until it all comes together.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Lime Zest

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is smoothly incorporated, taking care not to over-mix. Next, add the shredded key lime zest. Adding it at this stage helps release all those beautifully fragrant citrus oils (your kitchen will start to smell amazing!).

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Mix

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add about a third of your dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined, then repeat with the remaining flour in two batches. The dough should pull together and be soft without being too sticky or dry.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls (roughly golf ball sized). Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between — they’ll spread a little while baking. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers will be soft and just barely golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring carefully to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make and Apply the Glaze

Once your cookies are totally cool, it’s time for the luscious key lime glaze! In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, milk, a splash of vanilla, and a pinch of salt if desired. Adjust with extra sugar or liquid until it’s thick but drizzle-able. Glaze can be spread with a spoon or the tops of each cookie can be dipped for that perfect glossy finish. Sprinkle a little extra zest over the top for a pop of color before the glaze sets.

Step 7: Let Set and Enjoy!

Let the glazed Key Lime Cookies sit for a few minutes until the icing firms up into a shiny, crackly top. Then, dig in! These cookies are as pretty as they are scrumptious.

How to Serve Key Lime Cookies

Garnishes

Everyone loves a little something special on top! As soon as you glaze the Key Lime Cookies, sprinkle an extra pinch of key lime zest or a dusting of powdered sugar for an enticing finish. For a bit of contrast, try a few curls of white chocolate or a few finely crushed graham crackers.

Side Dishes

Pairing your tangy cookies with lighter sides makes for an unforgettable treat. Serve with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream, or a cold glass of lemonade. For a more elegant twist, offer them alongside a parfait layered with whipped cream and more citrus zest.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them on a vintage cake stand or layer them in a glass jar for edible gifting. Arrange Key Lime Cookies around the edge of a dessert tray or pack them in a bright tin with extra lime slices for a hint at what awaits inside. For a party, poke a lollipop stick into each cookie before baking and create Key Lime Cookie pops!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll hold onto their bright flavor and soft texture for up to 4 or 5 days. Lining the container with a piece of wax or parchment paper helps keep the glaze from sticking.

Freezing

Want to make Key Lime Cookies ahead? Freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once firm. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze fresh before serving for best results. You can also freeze the baked and glazed cookies, but the glaze may lose a bit of its shine.

Reheating

If you like your cookies especially warm and soft, pop a room temperature Key Lime Cookie into the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This will soften it up and make the glaze gooey — perfect with an afternoon coffee or tea.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes have a slightly floral, tart flavor that’s traditional, regular Persian limes work nearly as well and are much easier to find year-round. Just make sure to use fresh zest and juice for the brightest flavor.

My glaze is too thick or thin — how do I fix it?

Glaze texture is all about balance: if it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or key lime juice at a time. If it’s too thin, sift in a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches your ideal consistency.

Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?

Definitely! Cover and refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days before baking. Chilled dough may need an extra minute or so in the oven, but it will actually help the flavors intensify.

Are Key Lime Cookies vegan-friendly?

The basic recipe includes egg and butter, but you can experiment with vegan substitutes like plant-based butter and a flaxseed “egg.” You’ll still get a vibrant, citrusy result.

How can I zest a key lime easily?

Use a microplane or fine grater and gently rotate the key lime, taking only the colored part of the peel. The white pith underneath is bitter, so avoid going too deep. Zest over your bowl to catch every drop of fragrant oil!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bright and different, let these Key Lime Cookies be your next kitchen adventure. They’re easy, zesty, and so much fun to share — or to keep all to yourself! Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear in no time at all.

Key Lime Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 2 dozen cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Key Lime Cookies are a delightful citrus twist on classic sugar cookies. With a zesty lime flavor and a sweet glaze, they are perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

For The Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl and set aside. Combine butter, brown sugar, and sugar in a separate mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high to cream for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy texture.
Add in the egg and vanilla and beat until mixed in. Add in the lime zest and then 1/3 of the flour mixture, beating only until mixed in. Continue slowly adding the flour mixture until dough forms.
Roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls and arrange on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.
Once cookies are completely cooled, whisk together the lime glaze ingredients, adjusting liquid or powdered sugar to desired thickness. Allow the glaze to sit for several minutes and then dip cookies or spread the glaze over the top with a knife.
Allow the icing to set and then enjoy! Store remaining cookies in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American